How did the Great Dane Get its Name and Where Did The Dog Breed Originate? How did the Great Dane Get its Name and Where Did The Dog Breed Originate? 2010.05.06 | Filed Under: Animals Leave a Comment The Great Dane, also known as German Mastiff or Danish Hound, is a breed of domestic dog known for its giant size. The Great Dane is one of the world’s tallest dog breeds, and is commonly referred to as the “Apollo of all breeds”. It is believed that the Great Dane was developed from mastiff-like dogs and originated in Germany. The breed is most likely a cross between the English mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound. The French gave the wolfhound mastiff mix its name, thinking they’d come from Denmark. However, Germans call them Deutsche Dogges “German dogs”. The Great Dane was named the state dog of Pennsylvania in 1965, and a Harlequin Great Dane is featured in almost all of Lady GaGa’s music videos. Dogs of War. Read More Also, any literature on baseball written in the 1800's does not credit Abner Doubleday with the invention either. But if my...

2016-12-28T23:28:08+00:00 I'm not saying that whoever wrote this did not research this at all but I am saying this explanation of the origins of baseball... 2016-12-28T23:19:30+00:00 IT TOOK ME OVER WINTER BREAK 12 DAYS 3 HOURS 5 MINUTES AND 36 SECONDS. 2016-12-28T02:49:36+00:00 The math here is false. The fundation of how this was worked out is how long it takes to count to 100 in seconds; which is fine... 2016-11-08T22:41:08+00:00 Great Dane Origins | Danes in Distress Great Dane Origins Origins of the Great Dane Breed LARGE DOGS RESEMBLING the Great Dane have been known since the start of recorded history. Carvings on Egyptian tombs dating to 3000 B.C.

depict such dogs, and there is a Grecian coin dated 500 B.C. showing a dog’s head much like that of the Dane. Strong and swift, the large dogs were used by Celtic and Germanic tribes as war dogs and to hunt big game. It is claimed that the breed was already established in Britain before the time of the Roman Conquest and that the Romans took these dogs home with them to Rome where they were used as fighting dogs. While both Linnaeus and Buffon, 18th century naturalists who made detailed chronicles of species, give a Danish origin for the breed, it is Germany that claims to be the breed’s country of origin. Certainly this was the country of the Dane’s development. There it is called the Deutsche Dogge (German Mastiff) and was proclaimed the national dog of Germany in 1876. There is no known reason for it to be named for the country of Denmark. The breed originated from dogs of the mastiff type and was developed to hunt wild boar, guard castles, pull carts, and participate in battle. Since the Middle Ages the German nobility have used the “Dogge” to hunt wild boar and protect their country estates.

It is recorded that in 1592 the Duke of Braunschweig arrived at a boar hunt with a pack of 600 male Great Danes! The Great Dane began arriving in the United States in the mid- 19th century. One of the earliest owners of a Dane was the venturesome scout, William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. The breed was first exhibited in 1877 under the breed name “Siberian or Ulm Dog.” It is reported that the first dogs to be shown were ferocious, having been imported directly from German estates where they had been used as attack dogs. To the credit of American breeders, within a twenty-year period the breed had been transformed into an even-tempered dog still possessed of its protective instinct. Dog writers agree that today the best Great Danes in the world are being bred on this continent. A sight to see:: The big dog crosses the field in an effortless gallop, muscles stretching and contracting, devouring the ground with his long, powerful strides. His sleek black coat glows with vitality; his elegant manner is manifest in every stride. Closer he comes, and the ground shakes under his great size and speed.

Ever closer he comes, slows to a trot, then stops. He doesn’t wait to be petted but instead nudges a hand with his giant head. This is the Great Dane, a sleek, athletic dog tightly bonded to humans, capable of great courage, and known among fanciers as “the Apollo of dogs.” The Deutsche Dogge has lived up to its promise as a fierce, courageous canine–a “super dog”–designed to hunt the savage and unpredictable European wild boar, a beast well- armed with formidable tusks that could rip a dog to shreds. The Dane is obviously more refined than the English Mastiff and the massive, salivating Neapolitan Mastiff or Dogue de Bordeaux of recent cinematic fame, but it most likely came from the same original stock. The mastiff-type dog originated in Asia and has been molded into and influenced several different breeds. There is evidence that the Dane’s more elegant appearance may have come from an infusion of Irish Wolfhound blood and some fanciers claim the English Mastiff as the progenitor of this breed, but the dog may indeed be a descendant of both.

Although Dane-like dogs have been portrayed in oriental writings and on Egyptian monuments dated prior to the birth of Christ, the breed is considered to be about 400 years old. The Great Dane Club of America was formed in 1889 and became the fourth breed club to join the American Kennel Club. Breed appearance: The Great Dane is among the tallest of dogs. Males must be at least 30 inches and preferably at least 32 inches at the shoulders in order to compete in the show ring. Females can be about two inches shorter and must be more refined in type than the males. The profile of the Dane is unlike any other breed. This is a tall dog with a moderately deep chest and a square appearance. The head is rectangular and is set on an aristocratic neck; the ears can be natural or cropped, and the tail is broad at the base, tapers to a point, and reaches the hock joint when carried at ease. The whole dog is well-balanced and well- proportioned, a picture of grace and dignity. Ears: The Danes ears may be cropped (cut and shaped) or not. The breed’s ears naturally fold over and droop along the cheek.

Wild boars found these to be handy targets to grab; cropping developed to eliminate the ear flap and thus spare the dog the pain of having it ripped off in a fight. The early ear crops left little to seize; today the crop is cosmetic and sculpts the ear into an upright, pointed appendage that adds to the style of the dog. Cropping, if done, is usually done when the pup is less than eight weeks old as long as he is in good health. If the pup has worms or has been ill, cropping should wait. The cutting should be done only by a veterinarian. The cropped ears are then taped to condition the cartilage to support an upright ear instead of a droopy one. England has outlawed ear cropping of all breeds, and several European countries have followed suit. Australian owners do not crop Dane’s ears either, and more and more American breeders are questioning the propriety of doing so. as it causes unneccessary pain and suffering for the pup simply for cosmetic reasons (How many wild boars have you seen running around lately?).

Unfortunately, however, today virtually all Danes competing in the show ring have cropped ears and it may take some time before the the old school breeders stop balking at the inevitable change, think about the dogs instead of profit and come to their senses. Temperament, behavior, and training: Although he can be somewhat active and needs a period of exercise each day to stay fit, the Great Dane is a great house dog. Puppies can be clumsy, but adults are surefooted and seldom knock things over just by walking around. They like children but may be too much of a challenge for toddlers who are unsteady on their feet. Although the breed is generally gentle with people, some Danes can be dominant unless taught with a firm hand and some can be aggressive to other dogs and small critters. Obedience training is a must; an energetic 130-pound dog that towers over a preschool child and can easily rest his head on the dinner table must have some manners. Training must be gentle; leash-jerking and harsh discipline may make him distrustful and edgy. Above all, the Great Dane is a people-dog.

He needs space to accommodate his long legs and large body, but he likes nothing better than to spend time with his person. A short-coated breed, the Dane needs little coat care. He may get cold in winter, so should not be left outdoors for extended periods If it’s very cold, owners often purchase a sweater for long walks in the park. (Some Danes have a whole wardrobe.) Like most giant breeds, the Dane has a shorter life span than smaller dogs; he lives about 8-10 years if he is healthy. The breed is susceptible to hip dysplasia, bloat, bone cancer, heart disease, and tumors. Care of the puppy begins with careful selection of parents to produce the litter. Breeding stock should be x-rayed for hip dysplasia and screened for heart problems. Dogs with bloat or cancer in their lines should probably not be bred. The Dane can seriously impact the family budget. This dog needs a larger dish, more food, a higher dose of medicine, a larger collar, etc., and larger is always more expensive. It costs more to spay or neuter a big dog, too.

Those who can cope with or prefer a large, aristocratic dog will do well with a Deutsche Dogge. This is a people-oriented dog, loving and kind, playful and even spirited – a true companion dog. The Great Dane is a picture of style and grace quite unlike any other breed today and has a distinct personality which has endeared these ‘Gentle Giants’ to anyone who has ever been privileged to have one as a companion. Great Dane Dog Breed Origin and History — Largedogbreedz.com in Great Dane / no comments Despite its name, the Great Dane originates from Germany rather than Denmark although its ancestors span thousands of years and many countries and regions. Large dogs resembling the Great Dane dog have been depicted in art from Egypt, China, Rome and Greece perhaps as far back as 3000 BC. The origin of the Great Dane dog breed we recognize today comes to us from Germany at least 400 years ago. The origin of the Great Dane was probably developed from a cross of the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff among others and the dog breed continues to be a member of the mastiff group.

The English name for the breed, Great Dane, comes to us from the translation of the French name for the breed, grand Danois which means big Danish. The origin of the Great Dane dog indicates that the breed was used to hunt wild boar and other large game in Germany and throughout Europe and this early ancestor was first called a Boar Hound. Gradually the Great Dane became popular as more than a hunting dog throughout the 1800s in Germany. The aristocracy and other well-to-do dog fanciers began to own the dogs as a novelty and kept them within their houses and estates. The Great Dane began to be used as a show dog by the end of the 1800s although it continued to be used as a hunting dog as well. Great Dane Breed History Following the Great Dane dog breed’s rise in popularity in Germany in the mid-1800s, the breed also began to be standardized and breeders made efforts to adopt an official description of the Great Dane dog breed. Standards were officially adopted in 1891 by the Great Dane Club of Germany. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Great Dane in 1887 in the working dog group.

A club devoted to the Great Dane dog breed was formed in 1889 and officially became the Great Dane Club of America in 1891. The Great Dane dog continues to be a popular breed despite the dogs’ large size where males can weigh up to 200lbs and ownership can be a challenge. According to the statistics released by the American Kennel Club recently, the Great Dane breed is in the top 25 most popular dog breeds in the United States and is easily one of the most recognizable and attention grabbing dogs you’ll find. Posts related to Great Dane Dog Breed Origin and History Great Dane - Canada's Guide to Dogs Great Dane See the BOOKS & MORE section for much more Great Dane merchandise Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) * - Standard No. 235 Note: The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America . **  The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges.

The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees. Origin: Germany Height: Male: No less than 30 inches (76 cm) at the shoulders. Preferred height is 32 inches (81 cm) or more. Female: No less than 28 inches (71 cm) at the shoulders. Preferred height is 30 inches (76 cm) or more. Weight: Male: Approximately ranging from 140 to 175 pounds Female: Approximately ranging from 110 to 140 pounds The Great Dane is considered a Giant Breed. The male is more massive than the female with both a larger frame and heavier bone. The Great Dane should always appear well proportioned to his/her height. Full height is usually reached at 12 to 15 months of age, but a Great Dane is not fully mature until about three years old.

Brief History of the Great Dane: While some believe that the Great Dane's origins include a combination of Irish Wolfhound and Old English Mastiff , others believe the Greyhound and Tibetan Mastiff were involved in the breed's development. Drawings of dogs resembling Great Danes have been found on Egyptian monuments dating back to 3,000 B.C. and artifacts in Babylonian temples from about 2,000 B.C. also depict Dane-like dogs resembling today's Great Dane. Some believe that the breed originated in Tibet where literature from 1121 B.C. describes dogs similar in type to the Great Dane. However, the Great Dane, or Deutsche Dogge, as he is known today is said to have originated in Germany. For some time, these "mastiff" type dogs were selectively bred in several countries and were known by many different names. In Germany, where they were used to hunt wild boar and as estate guard dogs, they became the country's national dog in 1870. By 1880, a meeting was held in Berlin where judges and breeders agreed that the breed as developed by the Germans was a distinct breed and would therefore be known as the Deutsche Dogge (German Dog).

During the mid-1800's fanciers in the United States began importing dogs mostly from Germany and, by 1891, the Great Dane Club of America had been formed. The breed today is known by several names. While it did not originate in Denmark, most English speaking countries use the name "Great Dane". In several central European countries, it is recognized as the "Deutsche Dogge", except in France where it is known as both the "Dogue Allemand" and the "Danois." In Holland, it is referred to as the "Duitse Dogge" and the "Deense Dogge" and in Italy it is named the "Alano." For more information on the history of the breed: History of the Great Dane from the Illini Great Dane Club Breed Profile: The Great Dane's original purpose was to hunt wild boar, however, today he is a companion, show dog and protector. The Great Dane is a wonderful family dog. He is affectionate, loyal, devoted and a good guardian. The Dane is very people-oriented and needs to be made a part of the family.

This is not a breed that does well in a kennel situation nor should he be left outdoors for extended periods of time. Besides their need for human companionship, the coat is insufficient to keep them warm in the winter in colder climates. The Great Dane, known as the Apollo of Dogs, is a calm and well-balanced dog. He is spirited, courageous, always friendly and never timid or aggressive. He has a natural suspicion toward strangers making him a good protector of home and family. The Great Dane if raised with children is usually very gentle; however, due to his size and as can happen with any dog, accidental injuries can occur and small children should never be left unattended. His appearance is one of dignity, elegance, strength and power. His gait is compared to that of a Thoroughbred horse with his long, easy strides. The Great Dane's coat is smooth, glossy, very short and thick.

Coat colours are: Brindle  With a base colour ranging from light golden yellow to golden yellow with strong black cross stripes; Fawn  Ranging from golden yellow to deep golden yellow with a black mask; Blue  This should be a pure steel blue without any tinge of yellow, black or mouse grey; Black  glossy black; Harlequin  A pure white base colour with black torn patches distributed over the entire body; Boston or Black Mantled  A black and white dog with black mantle extending over the body, a white blaze or muzzle or both, white chest, white on part or whole of the forelegs and hind legs, part or whole white collar, and white tipped tail. As a boar hunter, tradionally, the Great Dane's ears were cropped to help prevent them from being shredded by the boar's long, sharp tusks during a hunt. Today, however, ears may be cropped or left uncropped. In North America, breeds that traditionally have ears cropped and tails docked can be shown either way. In many European countries including the Kennel Club in the UK, ear cropping and tail docking is no longer allowed.

For more information on ear cropping and tail docking see: TOP Health Issues Unfortunately, in general the Great Dane breed has a relatively short life span, typically about 7 to 10 years. As with all breeds of dogs, the Great Dane is predisposed to certain health problems. Some of these include: Gastric Torsion (bloat)  According to the Great Dane Club of America, Bloat is the number one killer of Great Danes and Great Danes are the number one breed at risk for bloat. Bloat is a condition caused by a twisting of the stomach and thus trapping the stomach contents and gases resulting in a rapid swelling of the abdomen accompanied by pain and eventual death if untreated. It is an emergency, requiring immediate veterinary action. This condition is most often found in large, deep chested dog breeds. For additional information, see: Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) - Bloat and First Aid for Bloat prepared by: Siefried Zahn D.V.M Cancer  As with many breeds as well as mixed breeds, Great Danes can suffer from a variety of Cancers. The two forms most commonly seen in the Great Dane are Osteosarcoma and Lymphoma.

These along with Heart Disease and Bloat are the leading cause of death in the Great Dane. Hypothyroidism Wobbler's Syndrome (CVI)  (CVI: Cervical Vertebral Instability)  Symptoms of Wobbler's Syndrome in the Great Dane usually appear between the age of 3 and 18 months, and include weakness, uncoordination and confusion (ataxia). These symptoms generally worsen over several months and, with time, an affected dog may develop a stiff, high-stepping, and exaggerated gait that gradually worsens. This is a painful condition caused by an abnormality of the spine. It is a chronic, progressive disease and, without treatment, the dog's condition will deteriorate. If you are considering the adoption of a Great Dane puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases.

The Great Dane Club of America (GDCA) Code of Ethics strongly recommends that all breeding dogs be x-rayed prior to breeding and found free of hip dysplasia by a knowledgeable Veterinarian or the OFA. In addition, any and all technology available should be used to screen all breeding dogs for any known problems within the breed (e.g. OFA, cardiac check, thyroid check, vWD, PRA, etc.). (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.) Additional Health Resources: TOP Grooming Information Grooming  This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada. Graphic courtesy of TOP Training Resources The Great Dane has a natural instinct to protect. Generally, the Dane's size alone is enough of a deterrent and intimidation and there is no need to encourage over-protection or aggressiveness. Early socialization and proper training is highly recommended for this breed. Training  For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

History of Great Dane is a fascinating story of breed development Tell your story IS THE HISTORY OF THE GREAT DANE ENGLISH OR GERMAN? The history of Great Dane is not a one version story. Some would argue the breed evolved primarily in Britain over several hundred years, while others would say the Germans did all of the work. So the history of Great Dane depends on which version you listen to! Great Dane dog history first appears about 3000BC. We see Dane like dogs in carvings on Egyptian monuments built around this time. Fast forward 3400 years to the 5th century, when present day Europe was invaded by the Alanis, an Asiatic race, who brought giant mastiff dogs with them. Over the next several hundred years, it is surmized that these mastiff like dogs were cross bred with Irish Grey Hounds, producing a giant but slimmer breed than pure mastiff. It is also possible that these large mastiff dogs were brought to Europe by the Romans. Over several hundred years the Celts cross bred these giants with either grey hound or Irish wolf hound (or perhaps both).

This effort led to the development of the "English Dogge", which some would say is the ancestor to the Modern Great Dane. It is probably true that both versions of Great Dane history are accurate and contributed to the beautiful animals we now enjoy, but certainly, the Germans deserve most of the credit for the development of the breed as we know it today. By the 16th century, these giant dogs were fairly common as boar hounds in both Britain and the Germanic states. The Germans did import a large number of these "Englishe dogges" for cross breeding with their own version as they worked to develop the perfect boar hunter for their own needs. But here the history of the great dane takes another twist. Boar hounds were not cudly stoic dogs.European wild boar were very dangerous and hunting them required a fast, strong and aggressive dog. And that's what had been developed. But it was also realized, that a dog of this size could be an excellent guard dog - although in order to fulfill this function something would have to be done to make it more people friendly.

And so over the 18th and 19th centuries, German dog breeders concentrated on evolving their boar hound into a breed of good temperment and friendliness. Rolf, featured at pre Deutsche Doggen club, 1882. Photo courtesy of The Dane In History and Art The Germans continued to document and develop the breed and in 1880 breeders and dog judges (dog shows and dogs were huge in Germany then as now) met and agreed that this German breed was now distinctly different from the English mastiffs and formally declared the "Deutsche doggen". In 1891, the Great Dane Club of Germany was formed (still called Deutsche doggen or German Dog club) and the modern day standard was adopted. Eight years later, the Great Dane club of America was founded in Chicago and the Dane was officially recognized in North America. So why is a dog breed that has never had anything to do with Denmark named a Great Dane? Another little twist in Great Dane history. In the early 1700's, a French naturalist, Compte de Buffon first saw these dogs while traveling in Denmark. He labelled this breed "le Grande Denois" or Great Dane.

For some reason, the name stuck - although only in English. (The Germans continued to refer to this breed as the "Deutsche doggen".) So, although Denmark has absolutely no part to play in the story of the history of Great Danes, the dog is nevertheless tied to it albeit in name only. Great Danes War Service? Given the size of the Great Dane, many people seem to think the Great Danes war service is a rich history in of itself, but this is simply not true. There were large blood hounds used by both sides in the American civil war (there is some evidence these animals were probably a cross between a cuban mastiff and the Great Dane), but the truth is, despite their intimidating size, Great Danes don't make good soldiers. The army and the marines tried Great Danes during world war two but none of them passed basic training! On one notable occassion, an army drill sargent was moved to tears of frustration as he tried to train a Dane to jump over an obstacle. Instead of jumping as he was supposed to, the Dane kept running up to the obstacle, putting the entire thing in its mouth and proudly bringing it back to the trainer!

But there have been some famous Danes associated with the military. One was even enrolled in the British Royal Navy! During World War II, the British naval garrison in Cape Town South Africa submitted all the necessary paperwork to enroll their mascot Great Dane into the Royal Navy. Historical photograph courtesy of Simon's Town Museaum Listed as Christian name Bone and Surname Crusher, this Dane made himself comfortable in several different naval establishments in the area. He wasn't just good for local moral - he was also used extensively in the production of postcards that were used to raise funds for the war effort!He died in 1944 and recieved a quasi military funeral! And as a final note about the history of the Great Dane, there have been several famous Danes or Danes associated with famous people. The founder of modern day Germany, Otto von Bismarck always had Danes beside him. General Cornwallis brought his "english dogs" on campaign with him during the American war of Independance (he lost!). Buffalo Bill Cody always had his black Dane "Turk" with him and Manfred von Richtofen, the famous Red Baron,is said to have taken his Dane "Moritz" up for a couple of flights!

And of course, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a Dane lover and always had several nearby. The entertainment industry has also made Great Danes famous. Brad Anderson's famous cartoon is centered around a Great Dane named Marmaduke - who hasn't seen that? Every babybooner and beyond grew up watching Scooby-Doo solve mysteries during Saturday morning cartoon hour! And in animated movies, Oliver and Company (1988) is centered around a Dane, as is the classic All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989). It seems that Great Danes history is colourful, interesting and is still being made! Great Dane Dog Breed Information Tendency toward a tolerance for cats and a lower prey drive. 3 stars Child Friendly Dogs that tend to be more sturdy, playful and easygoing around children and more tolerant of children's behavior. 3 stars Tendency to enjoy or tolerate other dogs. 3 stars Level of daily activity needed. 2 stars Amount of bathing, brushing, even professional grooming needed. 1 star Level of health issues a breed tends to have. 4 stars A dog's thinking and problem-solving ability (not trainability). 3 stars How lighthearted and spirited a dog tends to be. 2 stars Amount and frequency of dog hair shedding.

3 stars Preferred amount of interaction with other pets and humans. 4 stars Tendency to be welcoming to new people. 3 stars A dog's inclination to be protective of his home, yard or even car. 5 stars Level of ease in learning something new and a willingness to try new things. 3 stars A breed that is likely to alert you to the presence of strangers. 5 stars Overview Did You Know? Great Danes have appeared in a variety of films, but far and away the best is the 1965 Disney film “The Ugly Dachshund,” about a Dane puppy who is raised with Doxies -- and thinks he’s one of them. A must-see for Great Dane lovers. As puppies, Great Danes can knock over small tables and large children. As adults they can clear a coffee table with a swipe of a tail. Although he may sometimes seem like a bull in a china shop, the biggest thing about the Great Dane isn’t his formidable size (up to 175 pounds), but his heart. He may have been bred to hunt ferocious boars and guard estates, but these days, this tall and elegant dog is better suited to life as a lover, not a fighter.

If you’re looking for a gentle giant, this may well be the dog for you. His size may seem to require its own zip code, but the Dane’s calm nature makes him more suitable to apartment living than many a more anxious or active breed. While puppyhood may be a challenge in an apartment, a well-socialized and well-trained Dane will be perfectly content to have one good 10 or 20-minute walk a day for his exercise. Because Great Danes have protective natures when their families are involved, it’s essential to teach young dogs not to jump up on people and that nipping or any act of aggression is not allowed. What tends to be laughed off in a tiny dog is no laughing matter in a full-grown dog of this size. Let the Dane’s size itself serve as a deterrent and never encourage aggressive behavior. While most Great Danes aren't nuisance barkers, if allowed to develop barking as a habit, they’ll have what's probably the loudest, deepest, most far-carrying bark of any canine.

(There’s a reason that a Great Dane led the Twilight Bark to get the news of missing puppies into the countryside in the classic movie “101 Dalmatians.”) Many Great Danes have cropped ears, but that look seems to be on the wane, even in the show ring, where “natural ears” are now allowed. While there are still people who defend this cosmetic procedure, ear cropping has no benefit to the dog whatsoever, and it is a painful fashion that most of the civilized world has outlawed. As for grooming, Dane owners get off relatively easy. The short coat is easy to care for, although the Dane does shed and it can seem like a lot of hair since he’s a lot of dog. What you'll save on grooming bills you'll more than spend on food, since these giant dogs need a lot of fuel, particularly when they're growing. Although overfeeding is not healthy for any dog, it’s especially important in a Great Dane puppy since rapid growth can contribute to skeletal problems including arthritis. Put aside extra time for clean-up, by the way, since much of what goes in must come out, in rather alarming quantities. Other Fun Facts The Great Dane’s height and weight place him among the largest breeds.

Only the Irish Wolfhound is taller, and a few Mastiffs may outweigh him. Teach puppies never to jump on people. This giant breed is apartment-friendly because of his quiet, inactive nature, but before you move him into a place with stairs, think about how you would get him in and out if he were injured or ill and couldn’t manage them on his own. The Great Dane’s coat colors include brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches) and mantle (black and white with a solid black “blanket” over the body). The Great Dane is easy to groom, but he does shed. He also drools, so get in the habit of carrying a hand towel to wipe up slobber. Great Danes are flatulent, but they give you someone to blame your own emissions on. History The History of Great Danes The Great Dane originated not in Denmark, as you might think, but in Germany, where he is known as the Deutsche Dogge. Breeds in his background are thought to include the Irish Wolfhound , from whom he gets his height, the Mastiff , who contributed heft, and the Greyhound , responsible for his sleek physique.

He was designed to hunt boar and at the time was as ferocious as his tusked adversary. Later, he was often found as an estate guardian. In 1876 the Great Dane was named the national dog of Germany, but he came to be appreciated in other countries as well, including the United States. Today, the Great Dane ranks 17 th among the breeds registered by the American Kennel Club, up from 28 th in 2000. With his gentle nature and giant stature, it’s no wonder that many people love this interesting dog. Personality Great Dane Temperament and Personality The Great Dane is often described as a gentle giant, but he is naturally protective when the situation calls for it. He is affectionate and loves people, and those qualities should never be perverted by encouraging aggressive behavior. Great Danes love children, but they must learn how to be gentle around them. And one swipe of that wagging tail will knock a toddler over, so it’s important to supervise their interactions. These big dogs can also learn to get along with other pets, especially when they are raised with them. A fenced yard is necessary to keep the Great Dane from going out for a stroll on his own.

He’s not typically a jumper, so a six-foot fence should be enough to keep him contained. Be aware that while adult Great Danes are pretty laid back, puppies are highly active and enjoy digging and other “landscaping.” You might think the Great Dane is best suited to life outdoors because of his enormous size, but just the opposite is true. He should be an indoor dog who is part of the family. When that is the case, the Great Dane is loving, learns well, and housetrains easily. Left to his own devices, the amount of destruction he can do to your home and yard is beyond imagination. Don’t let him enlighten you. Any dog, no matter how nice, can develop obnoxious levels of barking, digging, countersurfing and other undesirable behaviors if he is bored, untrained, or unsupervised. And any dog can be a trial to live with during adolescence. In the case of the Great Dane, the “teen” years can start at six months and continue until the dog is about two years old. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him.

Don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (like kennel cough) to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines (including rabies, distemper and parvovirus ) have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed. Talk to the breeder, describe exactly what you’re looking for in a dog, and ask for assistance in selecting a puppy. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. The perfect Great Dane doesn’t spring fully formed from the whelping box. He’s a product of his background and breeding. Look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood.

Health What You Need to Know About Great Dane Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. The Great Dane is prone to a host of health problems . Here’s a brief rundown of what you should know. Among the conditions that can affect the Great Dane is bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands with air. This can become the more serious condition, gastric torsion, if the stomach twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply. This is as grave an emergency as you'll ever face with your dog, and immediate surgery is the only thing that can save his life. The Internet is full of home remedies and suggestions for how to avoid that expensive trip to the emergency hospital. Ignore them and head for the veterinarian if you want to save your dog.

Before surgery, ask about having your dog's stomach tacked, a procedure that will prevent it from twisting again in the future. Nearly all dogs that bloat once will do so again, and that surgery can save your dog's life. In fact, many Great Dane owners have it done routinely on all their dogs as a preventive measure. Also known as gastric dilation-volvulus, gastric torsion is the number one killer of Danes, and they bloat more often than any other breed. According to a Journal of the AVMA study reported in 2000, 5.3 percent of Great Danes exhibited GDV every year of the study. This condition may be at least partly genetic, but there is no screening test for bloat at this time. Your puppy's breeder should be able to give you an idea of how many close relatives of his parents have bloated in the past; the fewer such animals in your puppy's ancestry, the better. Great Danes also suffer from a high incidence of cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle resulting in an enlarged heart. This is very common in many giant dogs, and when it occurs late in life, it is often manageable with medication.

Have your dog's heart checked at least once a year, and have any murmurs or unusual symptoms investigated by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist. This condition may be genetic as well, but the testing currently available can only clear the dog for the time being; a dog could test clear one day and develop heart disease the next. Great Danes can also suffer from hip dysplasia , a crippling malformation of the hip socket that may require costly surgery to repair and that can result in painful arthritis later in life. Another genetic problem with an imperfect screening test, the best prevention for hip dysplasia at this time is to only buy a puppy whose parents both tested with normal hips who have very few close relatives with the disease. Keeping your dog lean, particularly when he's young, can also help. Another painful bone condition is hypertrophic osteodystrophy, occurring during the rapid growth phase of puppyhood. Ask your veterinarian about puppy foods for large breed dogs. These diets are formulated to help the puppies grow slowly, which can help prevent developmental orthopedic problems. Cancer is another leading cause of death in Great Danes, particularly bone cancer. They are also prone to a number of other skeletal, vision and neurological problems, both major and minor.

Great Dane vet bills, like the dogs themselves, tend to be very, very large. Not all of these conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog (and grandparents, etc.) have been screened for common defects and deemed healthy for breeding. That’s where health registries come in. Before individual Great Danes can be included in the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) database, the Great Dane Club of America requires them to have a hip evaluation from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals , Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) or PennHIP; a clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation; an OFA thyroid evaluation from an approved laboratory; and a cardiac evaluation from OFA or the ACVIM Registry of Cardiac Health (ARCH). Breeders must agree to have all test results, positive or negative, published in the CHIC database.

A dog need not receive good or even passing scores on the evaluations to obtain a CHIC number, so CHIC registration alone is not proof of soundness or absence of disease, but all test results are posted on the CHIC website and can be accessed by anyone who wants to check the health of a puppy’s parents. If the breeder tells you she doesn't need to do those tests because she's never had problems in her lines and her dogs have been "vet checked," then you should go find a breeder who is more rigorous about genetic testing. Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. If you’re getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the ages of the dogs in her lines and what they died of. Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Great Dane at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life.

Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life. Grooming The Basics of Great Dane Grooming The Great Dane has a short, thick, smooth coat. It sheds moderately -- in other words, more than you might think -- but requires little grooming. Brush the Dane weekly with a rubber hound mitt or soft bristle brush to keep the hair and skin healthy. In spring and fall, he will have a heavy shed, known as “blowing out” the coat and will need to be brushed more frequently during that time to get rid of all the loose hair. Bathe the Dane as you desire or only when he gets dirty. With the gentle dog shampoos available now, you can bathe a Dane weekly if you want without harming his coat. The rest is basic care. Trim the toenails every few weeks. Long nails can get caught on things and tear off. That’s really painful, and it will bleed a lot. Brush the teeth frequently for good dental health . To prevent ear infections, keep the ears dry and clean, using a cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian.

Finding Finding a Great Dane Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Choosing a Great Dane Breeder Finding a good breeder is the key to finding the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as is possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than in making big bucks. Good breeders will welcome your questions about temperament, health clearances and what the dogs are like to live with and come right back at you with questions of their own about what you’re looking for in a dog and what kind of life you can provide for him. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the breed, explain why one puppy is considered pet quality while another is not, and discuss what health problems affect the breed and the steps she takes take to avoid those problems. Embark on your search for a Great Dane puppy at the Web site of the Great Dane Club of America , which maintains a list of its member breeders.

Your puppy's breeder should be a member in good standing and have agreed to abide by its Code of Ethics , which prohibits the sale of puppies to or through pet stores. Look for a breeder who is active in some form of canine activity such as dog shows or obedience. She should also have written documentation that your puppy's parents were cleared of genetic problems, including hip certification from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or the University of Pennsylvania (PennHip); heart health certification by a board-certified cardiologist and OFA; thyroid clearance from OFA; and eye clearance within the previous year from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). Besides screening breeding dogs for genetic diseases, good breeders sell only with a written contract and guarantee a home for any dog they breed if the owner becomes unable to keep him. Choose a breeder who is not only willing but insists on being a resource in helping you train and care for your new dog. Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through.

You should also bear in mind that buying a puppy from websites that offer to ship your dog to you immediately can be a risky venture, as it leaves you no recourse if what you get isn’t exactly what you expected. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Many reputable breeders have websites, so how can you tell who’s good and who’s not ? Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Whether you’re planning to get your new best friend from a breeder, a pet store, or another source, don’t forget that old adage “let the buyer beware”. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations.

There’s no 100% guaranteed way to make sure you’ll never purchase a sick puppy, but researching the breed (so you know what to expect), checking out the facility (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals), and asking the right questions can reduce the chances of heading into a disastrous situation. And don’t forget to ask your veterinarian, who can often refer you to a reputable breeder, breed rescue organization, or other reliable source for healthy puppies. The cost of a Great Dane puppy varies depending on his place of origin, whether he is male or female, what titles his parents have, and whether he is best suited for the show ring or a pet home. The puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances and conformation (show) titles to prove that they are good specimens of the breed. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life. Before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Great Dane might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams.

An adult Great Dane may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. Many of the health problems in Great Danes aren’t apparent in puppyhood but become apparent when the dog is older. With an adult, you know more about what you’re getting in terms of personality and health and you can find adults through breeders or shelters. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. Adopting a Dog from a Great Dane Rescue or Shelter There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started. 1. Use the Web Sites like Petfinder.com and Adopt-a-Pet.com can have you searching for a Great Dane in your area in no time flat. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests (housetraining status, for example) or very general (all the Great Danes available on Petfinder across the country). AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area.

Also some local newspapers have “pets looking for homes” sections you can review. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. 2. Reach Out to Local Experts Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Great Dane. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. 3. Talk to Breed Rescue Most people who love Great Danes love all Great Danes. That’s why breed clubs have rescue organizations devoted to taking care of homeless dogs . The Great Dane Club of America’s Rescue Network can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Great Dane rescues in your area. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Great Dane home with you to see what the experience is like. 4.

Key Questions to Ask You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a dog. These include: What is his energy level? How is he around other animals? How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors and children? What is his personality like? What is his age?

Question: In which country did the breed of dog, the 'Great Dane' originate?
Answer: GERMANY